The themes of God's unexpected calling, the consequences of unbridled passion, and the importance of enduring till the end.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're diving into the heart of the Old Testament, focusing on 1 Samuel chapters 16 and 17. This is the story of a young shepherd boy named David who was called, anointed, and chosen by God to become one of the most influential kings in Israel's history.
As we explore these chapters, we'll be looking at three major themes. Firstly, the call of David - how God chooses those the world often overlooks. Secondly, the unbridled passion consequences - David's fight with Goliath and the lessons we can learn from it. Finally, finishing strong - how David's journey encourages us to endure till the end.
Corrie Ten Boom once said, "This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." This beautifully encapsulates our themes today, reminding us that God's plan for us is often beyond our understanding.
The call of David is a fascinating and inspiring story that serves as a testament to God's divine wisdom and His ability to see beyond the superficial. It's a story that challenges our worldly understanding of worth and qualification, and invites us to view ourselves and others through God's lens of potential and purpose.
David was the youngest of eight sons: A shepherd boy from the small town of Bethlehem. In the eyes of the world, he was insignificant, unqualified, and easily overlooked. Yet, God saw something in David that no one else did. When God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel, He bypassed all of David's older, stronger, and seemingly more qualified brothers, and chose David.
God does not judge by outward appearances as humans do: He does not look at our physical stature, our wealth, our social status, or our educational qualifications. Instead, He looks at our hearts. He sees our faith, our character, our potential, and our willingness to serve Him. He sees what we can become, not just what we are.
God's ways are not our ways: His thoughts are not our thoughts. His selection process is not based on human standards or expectations. He chooses those whom the world often overlooks or dismisses. He chooses the weak to shame the strong, the foolish to confound the wise, and the lowly to humble the proud. He does this to show that it is not by human might or power, but by His Spirit that His purposes are accomplished.
The importance of faithfulness in small things: David was faithful in his duty as a shepherd, protecting his flock from lions and bears. He was faithful in his relationship with God, spending time in worship and prayer. It was this faithfulness in the small things that prepared him for the bigger tasks that God had in store for him.
Not just about making him a king: It was about shaping him into a man after God's own heart. It was about using him to fulfill His divine purposes for Israel. It was about demonstrating His power, His wisdom, and His love through an ordinary shepherd boy.
God's call on our lives: It’s not about our comfort, our success, or our glory. It's about His kingdom, His glory, and His purposes. It's about becoming vessels through which He can display His power and love to the world. It's about being transformed into the likeness of Christ, and being used by Him to bring hope, healing, and transformation to the world around us.
David, a young shepherd boy, was not the most likely candidate to face a giant like Goliath ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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